Hypnotherapy is a type of alternative therapy that uses hypnosis techniques to create subconscious change in an individual.
Some people turn to hypnotherapy to help overcome addictions, anxiety, pain, insomnia, and more.
But is undergoing hypnosis actually worthwhile?
We weighed the pros and cons of hypnotherapy to find out if it’s an effective therapeutic method for the issues it aims to resolve.
How Hypnotherapy Works
Hypnotherapists use relaxation techniques and suggestion therapy to lull patients into a deep, trance-like state of heightened focus and concentration.
When hypnotized, patients remain awake and aware, but they may feel detached from their bodies and are more receptive to the therapist’s guidance.
Once the trance state is achieved, the hypnotherapist uses verbal repetition and mental images to influence the subject’s subconscious and reprogram the way they think or behave.
This is intended to enable long-term change by bypassing conscious resistance factors.
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Hypnosis Methods
There are a few approaches a hypnotherapist may use during a session:
- Suggestion therapy: Direct suggestions are given for feelings or behaviors
- Guided imagery: Visualization of meaningful images is used for desired change
- Age regression: Patients revert to a younger age to recall forgotten memories
Pros: Benefits of Hypnotherapy
So should you book a hypnotherapy session?
Here are some of the evidence-based benefits associated with hypnosis:
Treating Addiction
Multiple studies found hypnosis can help people quit smoking long-term.
A meta-analysis showed hypnotherapy patients were much more likely to remain abstinent from nicotine vs. non-hypnosis methods when combined with other treatments.
Easing Anxiety
Hypnosis may reduce anxiety for certain conditions, including:
- Fear of flying
- Fear of public speaking
- Fear of medical procedures
One study found a single 30-minute session of gut-directed hypnotherapy provided rapid relief from IBS symptoms due to anxiety.
Losing Weight
Clinical trials indicate hypnosis could boost weight loss by an extra 8 pounds compared to diet and exercise alone.
However, benefits seem to fade over time without reinforcement.
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Cons: Limitations of Hypnotherapy
However, experts note hypnotherapy has its limits in treating more complex psychological issues or chronic conditions:
Lack of Evidence
Little to no evidence hypnosis helps with depression, psychosis, dementia, or PTSD. More research is needed on long-term efficacy
Temporary Effects
Effects seem to wear off without ongoing sessions. People may relapse back to habitual behaviors
No Magic Cure
| Vital | Hypnotherapy may help manage issues but does not “cure” them. Ongoing work is required by the patient for sustained change. |
|---|
Is It Worth Trying?
Whether hypnosis is worthwhile or not depends on your specific circumstances and adherence.
If you struggle with anxiety or addiction, hypnotherapy could provide rapid relief when other methods have failed.
However, be wary of any therapists who guarantee “miracle cures” for serious conditions without empirical evidence. Managing expectations is key.
While more research is still needed, hypnotherapy is a reasonably safe option that may work for some people alongside other treatment plans.
As with any therapy, have clear objectives and give it multiple sessions before deciding if it’s effective or not.
Success Rates of Hypnotherapy
| Condition | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Smoking cessation | Up to 57% after 6 months |
| Weight loss | Avg. additional loss of 5 lbs |
| IBS symptom improvement | Up to 53% of cases |
| Dental phobia alleviation | Up to 74% |
| Hot flashes reduction | Avg. reduction of 68% possible |
This table provides some statistics on the success rates of hypnotherapy for treating certain conditions, based on clinical study findings.
Conclusion
Hypnotherapy holds promise for select applications like fighting addiction or minimizing anxiety.
More studies are still needed to back up claims surrounding other uses cases.
Go into it with eyes wide open, adhere fully to the therapist’s guidance, and be patient before judging its long-term worth.
I choose to learn more about hypnosis because my relative has expressed interest in it. It’s good that you mentioned that there are alternative strategies, like guided imagery and suggestion therapy, that you can choose from. I’ll be sure to let him know about this so he knows what to anticipate. I’ll look for experts who could assist him with it as well.